Türkiye: Endangered sea turtles lay eggs on Türkiye's Mediterranean coast.

SHOTLIST BELEK DISTRICT, ANTALYA, TÜRKIYE (RECENT JUNE, 2026) 1. VARIOUS MEDIUM SHOTS OF CARETTA CARETTA SEA TURTLE DIGGING SAND ON BEACH 2. CARETTA CARETTA SEA TURTLE HEADING TO WATER 3. CARETTA CARETTA UNDERWATER 4. VARIOUS OF CARETTA CARETTA TURTLES LAYING EGGS ON BEACH ILLUMINATED WITH RED LIGHT, CRAWLING TOWARDS SEA (NIGHT SHOTS) BELEK DISTRICT, ANTALYA, TÜRKIYE - RECENT JUNE, 2026: Endangered Caretta caretta sea turtles were filmed laying eggs on the beaches of Belek in Türkiye's Mediterranean province of Antalya during the nesting season. The turtles dug nests in the sand before laying their eggs, with researchers and conservation teams using special red lights to observe and record the process without disturbing the animals. Turkish authorities, universities and non-governmental organizations continue efforts to collect scientific data on sea turtle migration routes, feeding grounds and wintering areas while protecting nesting sites along the country's coastline. Caretta caretta turtles face numerous threats, including predators such as foxes, dogs, seagulls and crabs, as well as pollution and plastic waste left on beaches. Female loggerhead turtles typically lay around 100 eggs per nest between May and October before covering them with sand and returning to the sea. Hatchlings later emerge and make their way to the water, facing significant challenges along the journey. Both loggerhead and green sea turtles are listed as endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, with conservation programs in Türkiye aimed at supporting their survival.